By Sarah Roebuck
Police1
COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office is piloting a robot patrol program to enhance security at the Adult Detention Center, the sheriff’s office announced in a news release.
The 90-day pilot program will deploy DEKA’s Sentry robots that will assist with perimeter patrols and security rounds in select dormitories, adding an extra layer of safety and efficiency across the 10-acre property, the sheriff’s office said.
Standing nearly six feet tall, the Sentry robots act as a visible deterrent, equipped with 360-degree cameras, night vision, lights, heat detection and two-way audio. While they can operate autonomously, a live operator will control them for more complex tasks, ensuring security is adaptable to each situation, the sheriff’s office said.
“As security challenges evolve, law enforcement must move at the speed of innovation,” said Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens. “We are committed to working smarter and are excited to bring robotics into our facility to improve our operations and support the overall safety of our detainees and staff.”
This pilot program is part of a broader plan to integrate Sentry robots, the sheriff’s office said. These robots are already in use in metro Atlanta and other areas, patrolling office parking garages and large public spaces. Cobb County will start with three Sentry robots during the pilot phase, with potential expansion depending on the program’s success.
